Is it really that time of year? We just saw our first holiday decorations at the mall, so the answer must be yes.

In that spirit, we offer an early glimpse at events to help us savor the coming holiday season right here in University City.

 

University City Turkey Trot 5K – Nov. 23

8 am beginning at The Fresh Market, 3024 Prosperity Church Road

Walk and run with fellow gobblers on Thanksgiving morning while helping support Sickle Cell Partners of the Carolinas. After the race, cool down and enjoy a post-race mini-feast featuring food, drinks and music!

The University City Turkey Trot 5K also features a fun run for the kids and costumes are encouraged for all those young at heart! Prizes will be awarded for the top three costumes.

The race will start at 8 am and is open to everyone – all ages and speeds. Cost is $30 for the 5K. A 1 Mile Kids Fun Run will be held at 9 am. Cost is $12.

• For details and to register, click here

 

Hidden Valley Community Parade and Festival – Dec. 2

11 am-4 pm along West Sugar Creek Road and in Sugaw Creek Park

Enjoy a holiday parade along West Sugar Creek Road followed by an afternoon of music, fun rides, petting zoo and food trucks at Sugaw Creek Park and Rec Center, at 943 W. Sugar Creek Road. Free health screenings will also be offered.

The parade will start at 11 am at North Tryon Street and West Sugar Creek Road and proceed up Sugar Creek Road to the park

Sponsors include the Hidden Valley Community Association, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library, the Arts and Science Council, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police and University City Partners.

 

Prosperity Village Winterfest – Dec. 2

Noon-6 pm along Docia Crossing Road in the Prosperity Village community.

The Prosperity Village Area Association is organizing its first ever Winterfest in the retail area just south of I-485 between Benfield and Prosperity Church roads. This is the location of the group’s popular Pop-Up Shopping events.

The group says Winterfest will include “trees to decorate, Santa, vendors selling their wares and more.”

The event is still shaping up. People interested in helping with the event, being a sponsor or vendor or participating in other ways are encouraged to email the association at prosperityvillagenc@gmail.com.

• You can keep up on the latest developments on Facebook.

 

Create a Gift Garden in a Jar – Dec. 3

2-4 pm at UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens, 9090 Craver Road in the McMillan Greenhouse.

Looking for a truly unique gift? Sign up for this 2-hour course on making woodland-style terrariums and you’ll have both the gift and the skills to make many more!

Cost of $40 (general public) covers all materials, although you may want to bring your own vessel. Classes fill quickly, so enroll soon.

• To learn more and register, click here